Wedding Photography Questions & Answers

Q: What is your style of photography?

A: My style of photography is a blend of photojournalistic and traditional.  I will tell your entire story beginning with the bride getting ready to the final farewell leaving the reception as husband and wife.  I put heavy emphasis on candid images and capture moments as they happen staying away from too much staging.  When you look through your images you will see your wedding through not only your eyes, but the eyes of your guests.  Although I focus on candid images I also schedule time for formal portraits of the bride and groom, bridal party and family members. The details that you've worked so hard on to make your wedding unique are an important part of your story too therefore I make sure I take pictures of things like the invitation, bridal jewelry, shoes, flowers, favors, cake and more!

Q. Do you shoot film or digital?

A. Digital only

Q. Do you have a contract?

A. YES!! Whether your photographer is $200 or$7000 make sure you sign a contract. A contract protects the couple as much as the photographer.

Q. How many weddings will you shoot the day of my wedding?

A.  I am not a "show up and shoot" kind of photographer.  I am focused on creating an unforgettable experience for my couples and take time to establish a relationship before the wedding.  In order to do this I schedule a limited number of weddings per year and never shoot more than one wedding a day.

Q. Do you work from a shot list?

A. Yes and No.  I have a list of "must get shots" which are standard in most weddings (ex: bride/groom getting ready, walking down the aisle, exchange of rings, first kiss, exiting ceremony, formal portraits, entering reception, first dance, cake cutting, champagne toast, speeches, bouquet toss, garter toss, dancing during reception, guests who aren't dancing but enjoying from the audience, bride and groom's final exit) and everything else in between! These shots come second nature to me and I don't need a physical list, however I will have a small check list of important items or shots my couples would like emphasis on and are unique to their wedding such as special people, moments, jewelry or other important items that may be included. I also work from a list for the formal portraits. My couples complete a wedding timeline and questionnaire 30 days before the wedding. This includes when and where bride/groom will get ready, time and place formals will occur, names and groups of people to be photographed for formals. There is often not much time allowed for formals, so to keep things moving quickly and smoothly I will have a list of everyone's names and the order in which they will be photographed along with any special shots my couples are hoping to capture. I do not have a list of "posed" photographs that I will stage. I focus on all of the things that are occurring naturally throughout the day so that I can document the entire story as it unfolds.

Q. Do you bring your own lighting?

A. I am a natural light photographer, meaning I work with the natural light available whenever possible.  I also use on and off camera flash when necessary (typically during the reception) when natural light is not available. I do not bring and set up studio lighting with umbrellas etc. This takes time that is not often available and is not conducive to my style of photography.

 Q. Do you have backup equiptment?

A. Yes! I always have a back up camera, flash, and plenty of batteries.

Q. How many images can I expect to receive from my wedding?

A. You can expect to receive a total of between 800-1000 edited images.

Q.  Will I get to see all of the images taken from the wedding?

A.  On the day of your wedding we will take between 2000-4000 images.  I will cull through the images and select the best out of each grouping of pictures taken. For example, if I take 20 images of the cake cutting I will choose the best 5-10 images to edit and include in your final gallery. 

Q. What is your plan if you are ill or if there is an emergency and you cannot photography my wedding?

A.  In the event that there was a true emergency I have a network of photographers on hand and would make every effort to secure a replacement. If you wanted to find someone on your own (if there was enough time) I would refund 100% of your deposit. With the exception of The Intimate Wedding Experience I always shoot with a second photographer, so in the event that something were to occur on the way (terrible to think but the show must go on) such as a car accident there would be at least one photographer present if a second photographer was not available in such short notice.  

Q. What would be a reason you would cancel your photography services?

A. The only way I would not photograph a wedding is if I were gravely ill, physically unable to perform my duties, or experienced a death or life threatening illness of one of my immediate family members (husband or 2 children). In the event of any of these unimaginable occurrences I would follow the same procedure as in the previous question.

Q. How much is the deposit?

A.  $500 is due with a signed contract to secure your date. 

Q. Do you have liability insurance?

A. Yes! Many venues require this.

Q. How will you deliver the images from my engagement and wedding?

A. All final edited images will be delivered via an online gallery that you can share with family and friends who will also be able to download any images they'd like without having to go through you!

Q. How long after the wedding can I except my images to be delivered?

A. Depending on the amount of editing needed you can except your gallery to be delivered within 1-2 weeks.

Q. Can you provide me with a list of references to contact?

A. Absolutely! Just ask and you shall receive!